Sep-2024
South Atlantic Roadtrip Itinerary for Families
Back in December 2023/January 2024 we did a 10-day road trip through three South Atlantic states. Admittedly, this time of the year probably isn’t the best time to visit this region. Unfortunately, many museums were closed around the new year, we didn’t get to experience Charleston awash in spring blooms, nor did we get to hike Asheville during its peak fall foliage. However, since this trip had already been rescheduled once due to the pandemic we were still eager to visit this part of the USA. Our journey started by flying into Charlotte and renting a car. Depending on what part of the USA you are coming from this trip can be done in reverse.
Asheville, North Carolina (1-2 Days)
Like stated above, we didn’t get to see much as we were hoping for since our visit was during the winter—it even snowed on us! Asheville is really an unexpected gem and would love to return in spring or fall. It’s located in western North Carolina just off the Blue Ridge Parkway where a vibrant arts scene intertwines with Southern traditions and beautiful scenery.
What we did:
• Explore the quirky Downtown Asheville
• Dessert at the hip double-decker bus: Double D’s Coffee & Desserts
• Enjoy local BBQ at Luella’s Bar-B-Que
What we wished we had time to see/do:
• Hike Blue Ridge Parkway
• Biltmore House & Estate
Charleston, South Carolina (2-3 Days)
We traveled back in time as we walked the historic gas lamp-lit streets in the evening, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, cobblestone alleys and spooky cemeteries. Charleston blew us away with its historical charm and museums. Yet, the highlight of the trip was a haunted evening horse and carriage tour and a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
(Travel Tip: Save on local attractions with the Charleston Tour Pass!)
What we did:
• Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour
• Heyward-Washington House
• Charleston Museum
• Rainbow Row
• Charleston City Market
• The Tavern at Rainbow Row
• Waterfront Park Pier
• White Point Garden
• Holiday Festival of Lights
Daytrip:
• Congaree National Park (We actually stopped here on our drive from Asheville to Charleston. Definitely an underrated NP and worth a visit!)
• Angel Oak Tree
• Charleston Tea Garden
What we wished we had time to see/do:
• Visit one of the many historic plantations
• Old Slave Mart Museum (was closed during our visit)
• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (was closed during our visit)
• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
• Visit one of the many historic plantations
Savannah, Georgia (2-3 Days)
Much like Charleston, Savannah is peppered with Spanish moss, creepy graveyards, and a deep antebellum history. If you know our family, then you know we love museums and Savannah had so many great ones— the American Prohibition Museum was our favorite!
(Travel Tip: Save on local attractions with the Savannah Tour Pass!)
What we did:
• Savannah Historic District
• Georgia State Railroad Museum
• Savannah History Museum
• American Prohibition Museum
• Plant Riverside District
• Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
• Forsyth Park
• Old Fort Jackson
• Tybee Island + Memorial Park
What we wished we had time to see/do:
• Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
• Bonaventure Cemetery
• Wormsloe State Historic Site
• Pin Point Heritage Museum
Hope this itinerary has helps you plan your own trip through the Southern Atlantic States of North/South Carolina & Georgia!
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